Focusing on masterpieces in the art of short story writing, students will learn about composition, style, and historical period. This course is geared to both those who read for enjoyment, and those who teach and/or plan to teach. Focusing on two stories per class, we will learn how to analyze a literary text from different methodological perspectives, and become familiar with the different historical periods and cultures in which the works in our reading list were written. Any student taking this class will gain not just literary insight but so, too, a thorough understanding of the art of writing, the sort of mastery that will unable them to use these stories as models in their own teaching.

1.) Two ten-minute oral presentations using the technique of close readings. All students will work in pairs and have a tutorial in the professor's office in preparation for these analyses of literary passages.
2.) A 5 page paper analyzing one aspect or passage of one of the short stories read in this course (to be handed in in mid semester)
3.) A final 15-20 page paper to be handed in on the last day of class